Cruising for Love (The Escape Series Book 2) by Ann Omasta Read Free Book Online Page A

discussed prior to my arrival.
    Silence prevails once more. For some reason, my diarrhea of the mouth kicks in when I'm nervous. Apparently, the lack of conversation at our table makes me anxious because I turn to the staid Captain and ask, "Has anyone ever told you that you look like Captain Stubing?"
    It's a dated reference from an old show called 'The Love Boat.' Baggy used to love watching reruns of it whenever Roxy and I stayed with her. I can tell by the way he is glaring at me that he is familiar with the character.
    The blank stares I am receiving from the rest of the table indicate that no on else has ever heard of the show. I wish they had because they would easily see that he truly is the actor's doppelganger.
    "No," he says firmly, effectively putting an end to that topic. I'm pretty sure he's lying, but I'm sure as heck not going to call him out on it.
    "Bellamy," the captain turns to the redheaded bride, smoothly shifting the conversation away from me. "You look absolutely ravishing this evening."
    The woman beams at his praise before narrowing her eyes in my direction as if to say 'Bellamy 1, Ruthie 0.' There is no denying the accuracy of his statement. Her silvery gown looks glamorous and elegant. The color of her deep red hair almost looks burgundy in the glowing light of the dining room. The effect is absolutely striking against the shiny dress. Looking at the perfect, luxurious waves tumbling down past her shoulders, I wonder about her version of Syd. He or she must be über talented, just like my wonderful stylist.
    I decide to take the high road by smiling kindly at her––after all, she has legitimate reasons for not being overly fond of me. It doesn't stop me from hoping that I'll be able to win her over. She quickly glances away as if she's unwilling to accept the idea that I might actually be a decent human being.
    The captain is openly admiring Bellamy, which makes her new husband shift uncomfortably in his seat. Never taking his eyes from Bellamy, the captain gushes, "You're a lucky man, Joshua."
    Josh is cute in a boy-next-door kind of way. His golden blond hair swooshing down towards his blue eyes makes a good match with his long, lean frame. When we were playing in the pool earlier, I noticed he has a dimple that pops out when he smiles, so that is an added bonus.
    Right now, he's looking down at his soup tureen and shaking his foot violently enough that the water glasses are jittering like a T-Rex is heading our way. It is obvious the captain's overt attention aimed at his new wife is making him uncomfortable. He likely doesn't want to say anything for fear of causing a scene that will play out on television. The situation makes me feel bad for him and my initial distaste for Stubing––as I am now rebelliously (but silently) calling the stuffy captain––is growing exponentially.
    Finally forcing himself to break his enamored gaze away from Bellamy, Stubing turns to the blonde bride. "You look gorgeous as well, Tiffany." Both the way he says it as an afterthought and how he purposely omits me from receiving any compliments totally irk me, but I try not to show it. Tiffany clearly holds no ill will about being second choice because she bubbles with high-pitched laughter.
    Swooping in to save the day like a true hero, Cam lifts his water glass for a toast. "To all three beautiful brides." He pauses for added effect before adding, "We are some lucky bastards to have gotten to marry them."
    He has effectively broken the ice as we all laugh and clink our crystal champagne glasses with the people on either side of us. I'm even more grateful for Cam as he leans over to whisper in my ear, "You are by far the most beautiful." His sweet words make my cheeks feel warm as I decide I kind of like having a husband on my side. When he reaches over to clasp my hand in his much larger one, I don't object.
     
    Throughout the course of our dinner, I begin to see the roles that we have been cast to play in